Adoption Requirements in Kansas: What You Need to Know

Common Questions About What It Takes to Adopt in KS

Anyone considering adoption as a way to grow their family has a lot to learn. You’re probably very excited, and a little bit nervous. It can be easy to get swept up in the emotions of it all.

But, there are also practical concerns to take care of. You’ll want a good understanding of the different types of adoption and how they work, plus the professionals that play vital roles in the process. Before getting to any of that, though, you need an answer to this question:

What are the adoption requirements in Kansas?

Each state has its own adoption laws, as well as its own eligibility requirements for adoption. Depending on the type of adoption you are pursuing, these requirements may be different.

Then, on top of the Kansas adoption requirements, there could be agency requirements that are specific to your adoption agency.

Sound like a lot? Take a deep breath. By the end of this guide to adoption requirements in Kansas, you’ll have all of the most important information and be ready to take your next steps in the adoption journey.

Let’s get started.

Kansas Adoption Requirements

Your specific criteria for adopting a child in Kansas will be determined by several factors. The two most important: your type of adoption and your agency.

There are several types of adoption that any hopeful parent in Kansas can choose to pursue. Each has its own qualifications to adopt a child in Kansas. To help you understand your own eligibility to adopt, let’s look at these three most common types of adoption:

Domestic Infant Adoption

The adoption of newborn babies in the U.S. is known as domestic infant adoption. Hopeful parents interested in pursuing an infant adoption will need to meet these qualifications to adopt a child in Kansas:

• You must be an adult, which is anyone 18 years or older, according to Kansas law.
• You may adopt jointly as a married couple.
• You may adopt individually as a single adult.

Foster Care Adoption

The primary goal for children in foster care is reunification with the biological family. However, this is not possible for many children. For these waiting children, adoption is the best way to find a loving, safe family. The adoption requirements in Kansas for this type of adoption are:

• You must be at least 21 years old.
• You must complete the state application and standard background checks.
• You must complete the state’s foster parent training course.
• You must receive your foster parent license from the state.
• You must be at least 10 years older than the child you wish to adopt.

International Adoption

 The adoption requirements in Kansas for international adoption are a bit more difficult to list. This is because you will have to meet not only the qualification to adopt a child in Kansas and the U.S.t, but also the standards of the country you are adopting from.

It’s important for any hopeful parent to check on the other country’s requirements, as some are stricter than you might assume. As far as adoption requirements in Kansas go, they are as follows:

• You must be an adult.
• You may adopt jointly as a married couple.
• You may adopt individually as a single person.
• You must complete the appropriate application with the U.S. Department of State.

Agency Adoption Requirements

 Along with the above adoption requirements in Kansas, it’s important to know that your agency will likely have additional requirements of its own — which may include things like age, marital status and the length of your relationship. These differ from agency to agency, so, unfortunately, we can’t tell you exactly what they will be.

Now that you are aware of agency requirements, you can add it to your list of questions to ask any agency you consider working with.

Common Questions About Adoption Requirements in Kansas

If you think the Kansas adoption requirements listed above seem a bit vague, you’re not alone. What you will find is that these are the base-level requirements, and more qualifications to adopt a child in Kansas come up later in the process through the home study, background checks and agency requirements.

You may have a specific question about your circumstances. Here are several of the most common questions about requirements for adopting a child in Kansas, and the answers you are looking for.

Can a felon adopt a child in Kansas?

Do you have a felony on your criminal record? If so, you are not necessarily excluded from adopting a child. The adoption requirements in Kansas do require criminal background checks, and a felony may make it more difficult to find an adoption opportunity. However, only certain felonies cause disqualification, such as domestic assault, child abuse or neglect, or any history of sexual assault.

Can LGBTQ partners adopt in Kansas?

Yes, LGBTQ partners can adopt in Kansas. Federal law protects LGBTQ individuals and partners from discrimination in adoption. However, Kansas has enacted state laws that create loopholes for private organizations to discriminate on the basis of religious belief. If you are an LGBTQ couple hoping to adopt in Kansas, make sure to find an agency that is a genuine ally.

Is there an age limit for hopeful parents to adopt in Kansas?

Adoption requirements in Kansas do not put an age limit on hopeful parents. However, it is common for agencies to institute an age limit that says how old to adopt a child in Kansas you have to be. Make sure to ask any agency you are considering whether or not they have an age limit for adoption.

What Does it Take to Adopt a Child in Kansas?

At this point, you now know most of the legal requirements to adopt a child in Kansas. But, there’s more. There are also practical adoption requirements — things you won’t find anywhere in state law but are absolutely necessary to a successful adoption placement.

These practical Kansas adoption requirements are things like adoption preparedness and personal attitude. Adoption is not easy, and anyone considering it should possess the following:

A clear understanding of the responsibilities of parenthood: Have you taken the time to read, listen and learn about all of the challenges of raising a child? It’s one of life’s greatest joys, but it isn’t easy!

A plan for the financial costs associated with the adoption process: Each type of adoption has a different cost. It’s important to be financially prepared. You don’t need to be wealthy to adopt — just responsible.

The appropriate health for the physical demands of parenting: You don’t need to start training like an Olympic athlete for this practical Kansas adoption requirement. But, let’s be honest: parenting can be physically demanding. Good health is always recommended.

These are just a few things to consider as you prepare to adopt a child in Kansas. Adoption is rarely easy, but it is always worth it. Preparing for adoption with these things in mind can set you up for a better process.

Connect with Adoption Professionals

Interested in learning more about the adoption requirements in Kansas? It can be helpful to speak with a professional about your unique situation. Contact us today to reach an adoption specialist.